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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Introduce yourself and meet others
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Sep 24 3:33pm | Replies (878)Comment receiving replies
@beckydubolsky I know it can be very unnerving to start on new medications, but you really need to if you want your life back. The drug manufacturers are required, by law, to list every possible side effect even if only 1 person experienced it. And some side effects go away as your body adjusts. I have to take medications just to stay alive and the biggest problem I’ve had is keeping track of all of them!
Other members, @kmacky @luki52 and @leale can join us and tell you more about using specific RA meds.
What is your biggest concern about taking the meds?
Replies to "@beckydubolsky I know it can be very unnerving to start on new medications, but you really..."
My biggest concern is finding the right ones for me. See my doc tomorrow and hoping he has some good options for me.
My goodness. My concerns are that I have had chemo twice (bone marrow cancer & breast), my kidney bloodwork is elevated & high uric levels (gout related). My rheumatologist offered only two options which were hydroxychloroquine & methotrexate. He ruled the hydroxychloroquine out as i have Best’s disease, a rare genetic condition (vitelliform macular dystrophy) & the med could lead to blindness. Are there other options that you are aware of that helps with RA?
My doc wants me to take embrel. It is over $1700. I can not afford that. What to do?
I know, taken new meds especially those with side affects can be very scary. The first time I had to take methotrexate for my RA ,I was so nervous & scared because my biggest concern was an upset stomach & vomiting regardless of the more serious side affects. (Vomiting is a whole another issue for me ). After I took it , I was so relieved that nothing happened. Not one! All my concerns, worries & nervousness was for no reason. I probably did more damage to my body than just taken it without having the nervous reaction that I did. After four months on the meds, & it takes four months to feel a noticeable improvement,I can honestly say I’m feeling good My life is back. Trust your doctor & get as much information as you possibly can & you’ll make the right decision. Good luck
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The medicines they offer today versus 40 years ago are fantastic. The side effects are scary. But, they seldom happen. I don’t look at the side effects until I experience something and then check it out. This prevents a “self fulfilling prophecy “.